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Answers to Frequently Asked Sleep Aid Supplement Questions

Q1: What are sleep aids and what are sleep aids used for?

A1: Sleep aids come in liquid, capsule or tablet form, and include one or more substances designed to promote more restful sleep. Common ingredients found in sleep aids include:

• Valerian extract. Valerian extract comes from the herb valerian, and has been used for centuries to induce a calming, sedative-like effect. Valerian has fewer side effects than prescription sleep aids.
• Melatonin. Melatonin is a substance naturally produced by the body, that regulates our sleep-wake cycles. As we age melatonin production is reduced, and supplementation is often needed. Melatonin is also frequently used by frequent fliers in order to keep jet lag in check.
• GABA. GABA is a supplement that relaxes both mind and body, and promotes the most restful kind of R.E.M. sleep.
• 5-http is extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, and improves the quality of sleep by boosting seratonin levels.

Sleep aids are used to:

• Aid those who have trouble falling asleep, or staying asleep
• Promote the type of deep sleep necessary to repair and rebuild muscle

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Q2: What are the advantages and disadvantages of sleep aids?

A2: Like all supplements in Canada, sleep aids have their pros and cons. Whether or not sleep aids are right for you will depend upon your individual situation.

Advantages of sleep aids include:

• Sleep aids promote more restful sleep, making it easier to fall and stay asleep
• Sleep aids allow the body to enter the type of deep sleep necessary for maximum muscle growth
• Sleep aids are non-habit forming

Disadvantages of sleep aids include:

• Sleep aids cause drowsiness, and many people feel the effects of sleep aids longer than eight hours.

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Q3: How and when should sleep aids be taken for optimal results?

A3: Sleep aids generally come in tablet and capsule form. Sleep aids should be taken before bed, according to the manufacturer’s directions. Be sure not to take sleep aids too late at night, otherwise you run the risk of feeling sleepy or drowsy the next day.

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